mustang sally
Guest |
November 27, 2008, 10:07 am |
This is truely the meaning of community football...ENJOY! The actual article shows them playing the Atom Colts in the playoff game this season. It doesn't matter where it came from, it is the message I wanted to share with everyone!
I am so grateful for this ‘village’
Published: November 25, 2008 1:00 PM
Editor:
It was the beginning of July and my husband informed me Titans football practices had begun. I looked at him as if he had three eyeballs and said – as only a wife can – “are you kidding me? It’s summer holidays.”
Well, that was the end of that conversation, I soon threw in the towel as our son, Aidan, joined in: “Mom, I can’t miss practice!”
Our summer day-trips took a backseat to the weekly practices that took precedence over our holidays. Not having grown up in the sports arena, I couldn’t quite grasp the importance of practising for a game that didn’t officially start until September.
Over the next two months, I saw this passion for a game unfold, a game that you run around tackling your friends just to receive the coveted pigskin, and run as fast as you can to the end zone without being maimed in the process.
As a family, we watched football movies. I slowly began to see what they were saying. I began to get it.
I like to think of myself as a giver. I love to help the less fortunate, but I have truly learned more about giving through the eyes of a coach, and how truly selfless and committed volunteers in the sports realm are. The dedication is unparalleled, giving our children lessons from watching dedicated heroes invest into their lives with no monetary gain.
Countless hours these selfless heros pore over the fields, making sure they are ready for game day; hours of coaching and planning, preparing, managing and so on. My hat is off to all. I have learned so much about passion, heart, dedication and, most of all, commitment by watching my husband coach these eight- and nine-year-old Titans.
Last year, our Atom team finished their season with only two touchdowns all year, yet defeat was only on the field and not in their hearts. These amazing Titans came back stronger then ever this year to finish in the playoffs, a feat that has never been done in the history of minor football in South Surrey.
Coach Randy has shared with me incredibly inspiring stories of these boys. Players and coaches are now teaching me a lesson in giving unconditionally, giving comfort to a discouraged teammate, giving a hand up when they’re down, wrapping their arms around each other in victory, encouraging, making sure they are at every game and practice so they don’t let their team down. Boy, can we learn some valuable lessons by watching the passion of these great players.
Our team of coaches is so willing to do whatever it takes for them to learn. Parents willingly give their time, understanding the commitment these coaches have given to their children. That to me is community.
My favorite life lesson is “It takes a village to raise a child.” And I am so grateful for this “village” to entrust my children to. Thank you to all of the volunteers, coaches, parents and community for providing this great game of football and all other sports our children get to partake in here in South Surrey.
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